Singing Bowl Mission for March
2010 Mission –  “Women's Outreach"

Our first series of collections will be used to establish small loans to enable poor working women to expand tiny businesses or to even start their own businesses.  Typically, the poor have no collateral, therefore, cannot qualify for traditional bank loans.  Through our donations, a Village Banking system can be set up among villagers where not only loans are given but savings are expected from those that received loans.  Some loans are as little as $25 but can make a big difference for a woman and her family. As of February 14, we have collected $345 through your Singing Bowl donations. 

TENTS TO HAITI 
A check of $1661 was sent to Haiti in February to help with disaster relief. A special collection at church in January brought in $1108 and $553 was collected in our Singing Bowl during the last months of 2009. That money will help supply medicines, food and water to those in need in Haiti. Thanks to all for your generosity.

1. It contains all of its components and nothing is broken – tent, support poles, stakes, and RAINFLY!
2. It is free of damage, mildew, dirt and strong offensive odors.
3. It is in good working condition. This will likely be someone’s house for a long time.
4. Include a waterproof ground covering (tarp) that the recipient can place underneath the tent and therefore have a greater chance of staying dry during the rainy season.

1. If possible, put the tarp inside the tent bag. If not, secure the tarp on the outside of the bag with duct tape. 
2. Wrap the entire package with brown paper if using the U.S. Postal System ( usually cheaper)or a corrugated cardboard box if using UPS.  (Estimated cost: 10 lb. $14 –Parcel Post)
3. Use your own address as the return address and clearly address the package to the Tents To Haiti.org address below.
4. Mail
5. Send an e-mail to Julie Johnson, julie1961@hotmail.com to let her know when your tent was shipped. This will enable the partnership to prepare for shipment.

Tents To Haiti.org

CPS 18884

1733 NW 79^th Avenue

Miami, FL 33114

SPECIAL MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

The Singing Bowl Ministry

Each month our Social Concerns Team provides education about and an opportunity to contribute to a ministry in developing nations, as well as local outreaches. Globally, this includes things like literacy programs for women and children, digging village wells for better sanitation, and micro-lending projects to enable women to start their own small businesses. Locally, this would include not only education and financial gifts, but also hands-on outreach to local food cupboards and shelters. The money for this ministry comes from a weekly loose change offering called "The Singing Bowl."

Kettle Moraine Food Pantry

The first Sunday of each month we bring canned foods, paper goods and diapers for our local food pantry. Although the contributions here are usually grocery items, the Food Pantry also welcomes financial contributions. 

Dousman Home Meals

One week a month we deliver hot home meals to area shut-ins. The meals are made by the Masonic Home and picked up by us at the Three Pillars Compass Point at 12:00 noon. Volunteers can sign up to drive 1-5 days per month. There is no financial contribution to this ministry. (To volunteer for this important ministry, call the church office, 965-4022.)